"In recent years, more attention has been paid to the use of sustainable design, or 'green building' in order to minimize the negative impact that development is having on the environment, while simultaneously improving the economic performance of buildings. These standards seek to improve site planning, safeguard water supplies, improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources, conserve materials, and improve indoor air quality.

"In an effort to promote and standardize these green building practices, the United States Green Building Council created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) rating system, which is widely accepted as an industry standard.

"Intro 324-A continues the City's long standing and well developed commitment to green buildings by requiring the City to follow green standards for most of its capital projects over two million dollars. Projects involving schools or hospitals must be designed and built in such a way as to meet the equivalent of a basic LEED-Certified rating, while all other city projects must meet the equivalent of a higher LEED rating.

"Our hope is that our investment in green buildings will be returned many times over through energy savings and environmental, community and health benefits. I would also like to point out that, while the law does not take effect until 2007, our Administration is already actively engaged in planning for its implementation and looks forward to continued cooperation from the environmental and development communities.

"I would like to thank the City Council and the Commissioners and staff of the Department of Design and Construction, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the School Construction Authority, the Office of Environmental Coordination, the Department of Buildings, the Office of Management and Budget and the Law Department for their many months of hard work on this legislation."